GLC00148
by new taxes [inserted: to which add half a million nearly for the interest of the new loan.]. The
existing taxes are 2 ½ dollars ahead on a population of four [2] millions; with the future they will
be 3 3/4 D. a head. we are now reading Gerry's communications of what passed between him
& Taleyrand after the departure of his collegues. they show the most anxious desire & earnest
endeavors of that government to prevent a breach with us, and Gerry gives it explicitly as his
opinion that a just treaty could have been obtained from them at any time before his departure.
Logan's enthusiastic enterprise was fortunate, as it prevented the effect which our actual
hostilities on their vessels would have produced. whether they will be able to stand the regular
cruises now established by us [struck: all] about their islands, & fixed there, is questionable.
Gerry's communications are now in the press & I will send you a copy when done. they have
opened a loan for money to raise the army & build the navy of 5 millions at 8 per cent. so it is
that folly begets folly. every newspaper kills Buoneparte in a different form. but the news of
London Vienna & Constantinople is merely fabricated to keep up the spirits of their own people.
the last rational accounts from Buonaparte, showed him in a very firm position. I do not believe
he was destined to proceed further than Egypt. the London accounts of Irish affairs are thought
equally fabulous. that rebellion is probably strong & organised. the French have certainly
sustained considerable losses in endeavoring to assist them; but still in the long [strikeout] nights
of the winter, they will be probably able to throw in considerable reinforcements I expect to hear
from you soon in answer to my letter of the 3
d
. relative to your land at the Hundred. my
tenderest love to Maria and affectionate salutations to yourself. the same to the family at
Eppington.
Th:Jefferson
[address leaf]
free
Th:Jefferson
John W. Eppes
near Petersburg
